고조선 영역의 최대치와 최소치

Abstract

A variety of views have been raised until now regarding the territory of Old Joseon, ranging from the great Old Joseon theory stating that the territory covered the northeast area of China and the entire Korean Peninsula, to the small Old Joseon theory presuming that the territory was limited to the area south of the Yalu and Chongchon River. The remaining articles related to the territory of Old Joseon in literature include the record of Jewangunki(帝王韻紀) describing that 1,000 li in all directions was Joseon, the record of Weilue(魏略) explaining that Old Joseon lost 2,000 li of its west territory due to the invasion of Yan, the record of Shiji(史記) stating that the territory of Wiman Joseon spanned thousands of li in all directions, and the record of Huhanshu(後漢書) stating that Goguryeo, Ye and Okjeo were all part of Old Joseon’s land. These records indicate that the territory of Old Joseon was not small. Also, through these records suggest that Old Joseon lost its west side territory due to the confrontation with Yan between 4th and 3rd centuries BC and expanded its territory with the replacement of the dynasty to Wiman Joseon. The Korean studies community generally recognizes that the Liaodong region and west region of North Korea are areas related to Old Joseon. However, controversy remains as to whether the Daling River basin was included, the scope of Yan’s advance, and whether Old Joseon recovered the Liaodong area region. This is because there are great differences in interpreting the time of emergence, material culture, and literature materials of Old Joseon. To resolve the controversy, it is necessary to systematically analyze the archaeological data and related historical materials according to the changes of the times. Also, lively discussions are called for in the future since there is a big difference in opinion among scholars from South Korea, North Korea, China, and Japan, when it comes to the issue of Old Joseon’s territory.